An elegant spot for Chinese favorites

Since 2006, The Mandalay has stood out as a glowing beacon of Chinese cuisine situated within the action and excitement of Downtown Honolulu. Hong Kong-style entrees and dim sum service are presented in a clean, elegant and spacious environment, giving patrons a delicious escape from the hustle and bustle of the city located just outside its doors.

Catering to a complete cross section of Oahu diners, the pristine Alakea Street eatery is conveniently accessible to busi ness people in the area, as well as consulate members and politicians working at the Hawaii State Capitol nearby who are able to host large parties in the roomy two-story interior.

Seafood and Taro Basket ($19.99 small; $38 large)

Dumpling in Soup ($4.95 per order)

With a maximum capacity of 320, the restaurant’s ideal setting for sizable gatherings also appeals to kamaaina families looking to plan wedding receptions, graduation parties, birthday bashes and the like.

Casual meals and walk-in patrons are just as welcome at The Mandalay, as the establishment’s dim sum service (available daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and sharable a la carte menu items fit every day-to-day dining need.

While its extensive menu caters to all palates, some of The Mandalay’s most popular menu items are its seafood selections, such as Dumpling in Soup ($4.95 per order; orders are customizable to the number of people dining). The dish shines with a massive, king-sized dumpling — smoldering with flavors of shrimp and scallop — placed in a delicate dried-scallop soup base.

According to Jessica Chan, daughter of owner Linda Chan and bartender at the eatery, seafood items are crowd pleasers for large parties. Seafood and Taro Basket ($19.99 small; $38 large, for a table of 10) satisfies with an array of treasures from the sea, such as fish fillet, shrimp and scallop, as well as a medley of vegetables. The presentation of the dish also delights, as the ingredients are beautifully tucked into an edible taro basket.

“The basket is made from strips of taro,” explains Chan. “They use a mold to form the basket and deep fry it with the mold.”

For those planning to try these and other delectables at The Mandalay, the restaurant suggests parking in the Alii Place public parking structure during business hours on weekdays; it’s located just past the restaurant on Alakea (a one-way street). After 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends, validated parking is available at Bishop Square across the street.